In This Issue:
Scott Dosick from GO-Biz explains the Cal. Competes tax credit program's evaluation criteria to local business leaders.
OUR MEMBERS.
Each week we recognize the new and renewing members of our growing Chamber. Contact us today to learn more about the many economic and social benefits of joining the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, or become a member today to start enjoying those benefits now!

Here are the businesses who have joined or renewed with us in the past week.
NEW

PCH / Cherry Dental

Terpening Insurance Agency

RENEWED

20-29 YEARS







5-9 YEARS





UNDER 5 YEARS



Ensure your business is in compliance.
Call the Chamber at (310) 540-5858.
JULY 
Calendar
Thurs, July 30th | 4:30pm
24227 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance

Fri, July 31st | 11:30am
3525 W. Carson Street, #371.  Torrance (In the Del Amo Mall, near SEARS, across from Payless Shoes)

coming in  AUGUST
Sat, August 1st | 6:00pm
American Honda Headquarters
1919 Torrance Blvd, 
Torrance

Thurs, August 6th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100

Wed, August 12th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100

Wed, August 19th | 7:30am - 9:00am
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100

Thurs, August 20th | 12:00p - 1:30p
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100

Tues, August 25th | 11:45a - 1:15p
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100

Wed, August 26th | 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100
These events are open to everyone. Non-members of the Chamber may attend up to two events prior to joining as a Member. Contact the Chamber for information on how to reserve your seat for these events: (310) 540-5858.
Out & About
WITH TACC PRESIDENT & CEO DONNA DUPERRON
TACC Helps Businesses Apply for $200 Million in Available Tax Credits

This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with several dozen local business owners looking to expand and grow in California. TACC hosted a workshop to help their businesses learn how to apply to a fairly recent established tax credit program called, "California Competes." The credit is a break on the state's income tax for employers looking to create or retain quality jobs in the state and is administered by the California Governor's Office of Business Economic Development (GO-Biz). GO-Biz was created by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to serve as California's single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts in the state. 

     Today's workshop featured Scott Dosick, GO-Biz Research Program Specialist, who provided high-level consultation on the California Competes application process to help our local businesses competitively apply for the credits. In FY 15-16 alone, GO-Biz is authorized to award $200 million in tax credits with one quarter of the available funds specifically reserved for small businesses. TACC is committed to helping our members gain access to the credits, which is why I was very pleased to have hosted an event like today's workshop for the second time in the past six months. 

     I enjoyed interacting with the diverse business leaders we had in attendance today as well as Scott and his team from GO-Biz. Moving forward into this fiscal year, I look forward to helping our members get some of the available credits invested right here in the Torrance area. 

     Interested in learning about the state's economic development plan? Check out TACC's rollup of the Governor's Economic Development Initiative here.

R&B Singer/Songwriter Peabo Bryson to Headline Evening Under the Stars

This Saturday's Evening Under the Stars Gourmet Food & Wine Festival will be headlined by Peabo Bryson, an American R&B and soul singer/songwriter.
     Bryson, originally from Greenville, South Carolina, is known for singing soft-rock ballads and his feature work on several Disney movie soundtracks, including Beauty and the Beast (1992) and Aladdin (1993).
     Tickets are still available for this South Bay summer flagship event. Don't miss out!

Kairat Umarov (center), Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, joined the TACC for an enlightening discussion on International business earlier this week.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kairat Umarov visits the Torrance Chamber

TACC had the privilege to host the honorable Kairat Umarov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, for an enlightening discussion on International business. Ambassador Umarov provided insights to local business leaders on U.S. - Kazakh relations and highlighted opportunities for Southern California businesses to export to and invest in Kazakhstan. The U.S. was the second largest investor in the Kazakh economy between 2005 and 2013 and has made $25 billion in foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan since 1993. TACC is grateful to Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District) for providing the connection to the Ambassador while he traveled in the region. Congresswoman Waters joined the conversation via conference call from her Washington, D.C. office.

Exciting News! TACC Announces 2015 State of the City Address Date

The Torrance Chamber's "State of the City Address" is one of the preeminent community events of the year. The annual luncheon event brings the entire community together for an enlightening update from City of Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey on the key issues facing Torrance, the economic progress of the city, and the city's future outlook as Torrance continues to grow and evolve. The event also features the Chamber's "Citizen of the Year" award presentation. TACC is excited to announce that this year's address will take place on September 24th at the DoubleTree Hotel Torrance - South Bay. The program will run from 12:00 noon until 1:30pm.

 



Looking to advertise in Torrance? This is the perfect event for it! Sponsorship opportunities are available, call TACC President & CEO Donna Duperron at 310-540-6688.

Shout it out for a chance at a feature!

Have you had a memorable experience with one of the TACC's free monthly member programs? Share your testimonial for a chance to have it featured on the Chamber's website, which will even link to your own website. It's like free advertising!
CalChamber Board Votes to Oppose No Blank Checks Initiative
"This measure is dangerous for our economy and the safety of our citizens," said Allan Zaremberg, President of CalChamber. "The 'No Blank Checks' initiative would stop or delay vital public works construction projects in California, including those involving water security and highway improvements. The gap between our current capacity and our infrastructure needs is large and growing.  This measure would make it much harder to close that gap."

Premier Investor of the Week:
Torrance Bakery and Sandwich Shop
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Premier Investor for the Torrance Chamber of Commerce for two reasons.
     First, from an advertising point of view, my business name is on a huge board that is always visible in the Chamber's conference room, as well as on a banner at all Chamber events. That's a lot eyes seeing my name.
    Second, with all the help that I have received from the Chamber over the past 30 years, it only makes sense for me to pay it forward so that the Chamber stays strong and is able to assist other businesses the way that it has assisted me. Businesses helping businesses, it doesn't get any better than that!

Kirk Rossberg, owner
Torrance Bakery and Sandwich Shop
Significant savings on office supplies could be yours!

As a benefit of membership, Chamber members can receive significant savings by joining the FREE Office Depot program. In addition to special pricing you can receive in the store, order online and receive fast & free delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more when placed by 5 p.m. Sign up for your Chamber account to save even more on your first order, through August.

 

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Use coupon code 99090592 to receive $15 off your qualifying order of $75 or more for your first order.


ContactContact us today for membership information!

Email Kelly, Membership Coordinator, at kelly@torrancechamber.com
or call the Chamber at (310) 540-5858 .

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